Abuse

Domestic violence

Domestic violence is also called domestic abuse. It includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse.

It happens in couple relationships or between family members.

Domestic violence can happen against women and men. It can also happen against children. Anybody can be an abuser.

If someone’s hurting you it can be very scary and may be difficult to know how to stop it.

No one has the right to be violent towards you, no matter who they are.

Signs of domestic violence and abuse

There are different kinds of abuse. But it's always about having power and control over you.

You may experience more than one form of abuse at any one time. If any of the following feels familiar, you might be in an abusive relationship.

Emotional abuse

You may not think you are being abused if the abuse is not physical. But emotional abuse can have a long-lasting and serious effect on you. It includes insults and attempts to scare, isolate, or control you.

It can include things such as:

constant criticism

having your things destroyed

being controlled by someone

being always put down

Physical abuse

The person abusing you may hurt you in many ways. Physical abuse can happen if you are being:

deliberately injured

spat on

attacked or assaulted

pushed

punched

slapped

beaten

had your hair pulled

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse happens when someone forces you to have sexual contact against your will. It can include being:

raped

touched inappropriately

forced to strip or give sexual favours

Neglect

Neglect happens when a child or young, elderly or dependent person does not have enough:

food

somewhere warm and clean to live

care or supervision

clothing

medical care

It can include things such as when a child's parents leave them alone for a long time.

Elder abuse

Elder abuse is the abuse of someone aged 65 or over. The abuse can be: